June 2, 2008

EXCEPT THAT THE "AGAIN" IS COUNTERFACTUAL:

Although their leaders still call America the "Great Satan," ordinary Iranians' affection for the United States seems to be thriving these days, at least in the bustling capital. This rekindled regard is evident in people's conversations, their insatiable demand for US products and culture, and their fascination with the US presidential campaign. [...]

One can't do reliable polling about Iranians' views under their theocratic government, of course, but these shifts were still striking to me as a longtime visitor – not least because liking the US is also a way for Iranians to register their frustration with their own firebrand president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

There's no evidence to suggest that Iranians feel unable to answer pollsters honestly and they've been rather consistent in expressing their affection for the U.S., to the leadership's chagrin.
Posted by Orrin Judd at June 2, 2008 4:26 PM